Philly Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Oct. 1st

I am nothing more than a statistic according to American Diabetes Association. I am one of the 79 million, or one third of American adults with pre-diabetes – that know it. There are several others who are pre-diabetic that are unaware. Nearly 26 million Americans are affected by diabetes, including one in nine people in the Greater Philadelphia population. Diabetes is one of the deadliest diseases in our nation killing more people than Breast Cancer and AIDS. Together we can help stop this!

You can start helping by signing up for American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Saturday, October 1, 2011 in Philadelphia.  It is a 5K family-friendly walk beginning at the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 9 a.m. The 3.2 mile route will take walkers down scenic West River Drive (also known as Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) and back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art where you can celebrate at the finish-line festivities including music and food.  If you are a diabetic then you will be a VIP of the event! Sign up as a Red Strider to be recognized during the walk.

The event is presented by Independence Blue Cross and the co-chairs for the 4^th Annual Walka re Billie Jean King, sports legend and Joe Redling, Nutrisystem Chairman and CEO. Both are very passionate about inspiring others to raise awareness about the dangers of diabetes.

ADA’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States who are affected by this disease. Together we can stop diabetes, one step at a time. To register, volunteer or find out more information about the Greater Philadelphia Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, please call 610-828-5003 x4645 or visit www.diabetes.org/stepout.

I have only been aware of my condition for the past four years or so now but I have been pre-diabetic (also known as insulin resistant) for much longer than that. The reason I know this is because insulin resistance is a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a hormonal imbalance and I have been diagnosed with PCOS.  I discovered all of this by going to an endocrinologist after complaining for years about always feeling shaky, jittery or sometimes even lightheaded between meals. I wish I had gotten to the bottom of this sooner but I’m managing it the best I can now. Some people don’t have symptoms at all so it’s very crucial to get a diabetes screening at the doctor’s office for your annual checkup. I hope this helps someone who is reading this.

Please join the fight against diabetes and ‘Step Out’ on Saturday Oct. 1^st in Philadelphia.